If you’re dreaming of a cruise but worried about getting seasick, you need to read this. Seasickness can ruin your vacation, but the good news is: it’s totally avoidable.
Below, I’m sharing genius tricks that actually work to help you cruise without feeling sick. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or you’ve gotten queasy before, these tips will help you feel steady, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every minute at sea.
How to Cruise without Seasickness
1. Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck
This is one of the most important things you can do if you’re prone to seasickness. The middle of the ship—midship—is the most stable area, especially on lower decks. It’s where you’ll feel the least amount of movement when the ship rocks or rolls.
Why does this matter? Think of the ship like a seesaw. The front and back move the most, while the center stays relatively steady.
The higher up you go, the more you’ll feel the sway—so if you’re trying to avoid motion sickness, steer clear of top-deck cabins, and especially those located all the way forward or all the way aft.
It might be tempting to book a fancy room with a view or a balcony up high, but if you’re worried about feeling sick, comfort is way more important than a window.
Choosing the right location can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable cruise—and spending your trip feeling queasy in your cabin.
So when you’re picking your room, remember: midship and lower deck.
2. Always Keep Your Stomach Full
This might sound simple, but trust me—it works. One of the best ways to prevent seasickness is to eat regularly, even if the water seems calm. Snack throughout the day and don’t let yourself get too hungry.
I’ve learned this from experience—and cruise staff swear by it too. Once you start feeling nauseous, it gets harder to eat, so staying ahead of it is key.
Go for carbs like pasta, bread, crackers—these help settle your stomach. Try to avoid greasy or oily foods—they’ll just make things worse.
And hey, you’re on a cruise with unlimited food! Take advantage of it. Skip the salad and go for that bread basket. Your stomach—and your vacation—will thank you.
3. Sail on a big cruise ships with stabilizers
If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a big cruise ship with stabilizers.
This makes a huge difference. Larger ships are naturally more stable—and many of them are equipped with advanced stabilizers that help reduce that rolling motion that causes nausea.
The smaller or older the ship, the more you’ll feel every wave. So if motion sickness is a concern, skip the small vessels and book one of the newer, mega ships. You’ll feel way more comfortable, and you might not even notice the ship is moving at all.
4. Choose an itinerary where the ship will not be subjected to choppy waters
Choppy waters can increase the motion of the ship and make you more prone to seasickness.
For example, if you’re planning a Caribbean cruise, try to sail out of Florida. That way, your ship heads straight into the calm Caribbean Sea. But if you sail from New York, your ship has to go through the Atlantic Ocean first—and that stretch can be way rougher.
Also, try to avoid cruising during hurricane season. Even if your ship dodges a storm, the surrounding waters can still be turbulent.
And definitely steer clear of Antarctica cruises if you’re sensitive to motion. The Drake Passage is legendary for being rough—it’s no joke.
5. Stay Well-Hydrated
An easy way to avoid seasickness is to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can help you flush out toxins and prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water, juice, or herbal tea, and avoid caffeinated or carbonated drinks.
6. Bring anti-seasickness medication—and take it early
If you’re even slightly worried about rough seas, don’t wait. Take your meds before the motion starts. Once you feel sick, it’s much harder to bounce back.
Cruise ships used to hand out seasickness pills for free—but these days, they often charge you or keep a limited supply.
That’s why I always recommend bringing your own from home. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and you won’t have to hunt it down mid-cruise.
And if you’re cruising with kids, grab the chewable Dramamine for Kids—it’s a lifesaver!
7. Avoid looking at the waves or the horizon
Staring out at the ocean, especially when the water’s rough, can really mess with your balance and make seasickness worse. It makes you more aware of the ship’s motion—and that’s the last thing you want.
Instead, focus on something still inside the ship—like the wall or a painting. Avoid areas with big windows, especially on the upper decks.
Personally, when the seas get choppy, I skip the buffet deck. The huge windows up there give you a front row seat to every wave. I head to the lower levels instead—like the lobby—where the movement feels less intense and there are very few windows.
8. Avoid alcohol
Stay away from alcohol—especially if you’re prone to seasickness or expecting rough seas. It might be tempting to kick off your vacation with a cocktail, but alcohol can actually make seasickness worse. For starters, it dehydrates you—and staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to fight off nausea at sea.
On top of that, alcohol affects your sense of balance and coordination. Combine that with the natural motion of the ship, and you’ve got a recipe for dizziness and discomfort. What might feel like a gentle sway sober can feel ten times worse after a few drinks.
If you know the water’s going to be choppy, it’s smarter to stick with water, ginger ale, or electrolyte drinks.
Save the margaritas and strawberry daiquiris for when the ship is sailing smoothly or you’re docked in port. That way, you’ll actually enjoy your drink—and the rest of your cruise.
9. Get some fresh air
If you start feeling seasick, one of the best things you can do is get some fresh air. Head outside to the deck or step onto your balcony if your cabin has one. Fresh air helps open up your lungs and gives your brain new signals that can reduce nausea. Plus, the cool breeze often helps settle your stomach. Even just a few minutes outside can make a big difference when you’re feeling queasy.
10. Take Deep Breaths
Try taking slow, deep breaths. It sounds simple, but deep breathing actually works wonders for calming your nervous system. Focus on breathing in deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
Repeat this several times and you’ll start to feel more relaxed, which can help reduce the intensity of seasickness. It’s a quick and easy way to reset your body without any medication.
11. Avoid doing strenuous things such as going to the gym
Going to the gym can worsen your seasickness. I know it’s tempting to stay on track with your workouts, but machines like treadmills and ellipticals move in sync with the ship, which can actually make your seasickness worse by amplifying the motion.
They exaggerate the ship’s motion. Instead of pushing through a workout, take it easy.
Do some light stretching, yoga, or just relax and let your body adjust. Remember, you’re on vacation—this is the perfect time to slow down and give yourself a break.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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